She handed him the letter. “I suppose you’ll want to show it to Lord Covington. May I be excused? I don’t think you need me for the rest of this discussion.”
“Go ahead. There’s no need for you to stay. The crowd will disperse after this and want to resume the planned entertainments. You do not play cards and you cannot dance, so I do not think you will enjoy yourself if you remain with us.”
“Will there be dancing tomorrow night, as well?”
He nodded. “But you need not join us for anything more.”
“All right.” She did not know how to dance their elegant dances.
The duke knew this, too.
By his nod, was he telling her to stay away from him and his friends?
She assumed so, and would plead a headache tomorrow morning and keep to her chamber from now on. Was it not safer than joining these privileged elites who did not want their house party tainted by her company? “Good night, Your Grace.”
He grunted distractedly, his attention on the letter she had left with him.
She walked upstairs feeling cast out.
Alice came up to attend her, but she barely had time to undo the lacing of her gown before rushing off to attend to the other ladies. Not that any of them had retired yet, but several wanted to change into proper evening gowns now that the dukes had returned.
“His Grace ordered the card tables set up for those who wish to play cards. And the pianist arrived earlier, so His Grace will have him stay on so that the ladies and gentlemen may dance.”
“What of Lord Covington?”
“He’s seated in the study with His Grace. They are having brandies and conversing about Lady Beatrice.”
“Just the two of them?”
Alice nodded. “Yes, he’s sent the others off to enjoy themselves now that everyone has calmed down. I’m glad Lady Beatrice is safe. But what a scandal! To be secretly married all the while. Good thing the duke did not fancy her.”
Alice rushed off.
Harriet was left alone with her thoughts.
But the duke had fancied Beatrice.
He had referred to her as the best of these diamonds. Would he remain angry? Was he hurt by Beatrice’s deception?
Would he blameherfor Beatrice’s actions when all she had done was talk to Beatrice this afternoon at his urging?
What right did he have to blameherwhen he was the one who had goaded her to approach Beatrice in the first place?
Feeling rather exhausted, she changed into her nightgown and also donned her robe, for her insides were shivering. How long before the duke burst into her chamber, roused her out of a fitful sleep, and moved her into the servants quarters?
That would be a cruel humiliation, but she was prepared for it.
All she needed from him was assistance in securing a respectable position, and then she would be out of his life forever.
Would he renege on that promise now?
Dear heaven.
What would she do if he sent her away?
He was going to do it, she felt it in her bones.
She was the outsider and unwitting accomplice to Beatrice.
